Namchi, 03 May (IPR): First round of training for Micro Observers, Counting Supervisors and Counting Assistants for counting of votes on 23rd May organized by District Collector (South) cum District Election Officer was held at Community Hall in Namchi today.

Addressing the gathering, master trainer Mr. Jigme Bhutia spoke about the instructions issued by Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding the arrangement for counting centres and management of counting process. He also added that there are a total of three counting rooms in the south district which will be located at Namchi Senior Secondary School respectively.

The trainer also briefed the attendees through the various rules and regulations that these officials will have to undertake while counting of Postal Ballots, Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETBPS), Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). Mr. Bhutia underlined that postal ballot papers are to be counted first and the counting of votes in EVMs will commence 30 minutes after the start of postal ballot counting.

He also added that during the counting process the Observer will randomly select EVMs and cross check them and if any discrepancy is found with regards to the EVMs then stipulated procedure according to the ECI will be followed. Furthermore, Mr. Bhutia elucidated a randomization process will be carried out on the day of counting after which each counting official will be assigned their table under the Assembly Segment and Assembly Constituency respectively.

Additionally, the master trainer explained that it is extremely imperative for the counting officials to be careful and maintain secrecy of votes failing which disciplinary action may be taken against the counting officials as per ECI.